March 13 (Reuters) - Australian shares fell on Tuesday ahead of U.S. inflation data which could hint at the pace of rate hikes, with bank stocks weakening as a government-backed inquiry into misconduct by the banks began a first round of public hearings.

Newcrest Mining Ltd extended losses into a fourth session, losing 2.5 percent. The gold miner on Monday flagged a hit to its full-year guidance as a dam wall breach led to operations being suspended at its main mine.

After the market opened a technical glitch prevented S&P indices from updating on traders' screens, but the issue was resolved after about an hour, and trade on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) continued unaffected throughout. bit.ly/2Fty0lU

New Zealand’s benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index rose as much as 0.3 percent to an all-time high of 8,491.7.

Retirement village operator Summerset Group Holdings Ltd was the top gainer, rising as much as 5.9 percent to a record high.